Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying has released a Revised National Action Plan to combat glanders, a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease affecting horses, mules, and donkeys. The move aims to strengthen surveillance, prevention, and control measures while safeguarding the livelihoods of communities dependent on equines.
Glanders, caused by the bacterium Burkholderia mallei, can also affect other animals and humans. It is classified as a notifiable disease under the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals (PCICDA) Act, 2009.
The updated plan includes key changes such as reducing the infected zone from 5 km to 2 km, with surveillance areas redefined to 2-10 km. Restrictions will now be enforced only within this 10 km radius. The plan mandates regular testing in high-risk areas, enhanced laboratory diagnostics, and frequent field inspections to detect and contain outbreaks early.
Quarantine and movement controls have been tightened, with strict measures for transporting equines, including certifications for fairs, yatras, and interstate movement. A rapid response mechanism with standard operating procedures for containment, isolation, and humane handling of infected animals has been introduced in coordination with state departments.
Capacity building and training for veterinarians, para-veterinarians, and field staff will focus on early detection, reporting, and biosafety practices. Public awareness campaigns will engage horse owners, breeders, and other stakeholders to ensure cooperation in surveillance and reporting.
Research support will be strengthened through collaboration with the ICAR–National Research Centre on Equines (NRCE), Hisar, for advanced diagnostics and epidemiological studies. The plan will be implemented in close coordination with state governments, veterinary universities, and ICAR institutes, with DAHD providing technical guidance and oversight.
